Get to Know Us | Lari Ruohonen, Client Relations Coordinator, Helsinki

How did you end up working at Hannes Snellman?

I joined Hannes Snellman in September 2011 through a trainee programme.

What is included in a “normal working day” in the Client Relations team?

My normal working day varies quite a bit, which keeps things engaging and fun. Typically, I get to work with different practice groups and support functions from both the Helsinki and Stockholm offices. Particularly, I focus on managing and developing our CR-related tools and systems, but day-to-day tasks may vary from preparing and sending marketing materials, organising events (seminars or webinars), CRM-related tasks, website management, and coordinating development projects.

You have been in a key role in many development projects. Could you please share us your top tips for successful project management?

There are many ingredients in managing a successful project. My top tips are planning well and setting a realistic project timeline with milestones. Project management requires constant communication to run smoothly while keeping everyone aware of responsibilities and what is expected to advance towards our next goal. My final tip is thinking about your attitude towards challenges. There will likely be several surprises during a longer development project, and I recommend treating these challenges as puzzles and utilising your whole team to solve them or work around them.

How would you describe the Hannes Snellman culture?

I would describe our culture as very professional, supportive, and down to earth. Your personal input is appreciated, and the well-being of employees is looked after.

What tips would you give to students planning a career in the field of client relations?

I encourage having an open mind for learning various tasks you may not have done before. A solution-oriented attitude and being able to manage multiple tasks at once will help. Finally, you will have a team supporting you if you have questions or if you need assistance.

What would be your top tip when it comes to combining remote work and family life in exceptional times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic?

My personal recommendation is combining your meeting schedule around the nap times of a lively 1-year-old, as it works well if you can pull it off. Alternatively, I recommend investing in a great pair of noise-cancelling headphones for meetings.

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